Wainwright’s Return Nearing

(Busch Stadium) Making his sixth rehab start, Adam Wainwright pitched 5.0 scoreless innings and struck out seven batters for Memphis last night. He threw 90 pitches, 63 of which were strikes.

“He held his velocity around 89-90,” shared Mike Shildt, adding the team had not yet met to officially decide what will be next for the right-hander.

When asked if there were any further boxes for Wainwright to check off before returning, Shildt replied “I don’t believe so.”

Wainwright has been on a starter schedule of making his rehab assignments every fifth day, which would put him on track to take the ball while the Cardinals are in Detroit later this week.

Shildt and others in the front office have talked this week of not going with a 6-man rotation, but inserting pitchers here and there to create extra rest for the rotation as it enters this final month of the regular season. Daniel Poncedeleon starting yesterday and Luke Weaver today is such an example.

Placed on the disabled list on May 14th with right elbow inflammation, Wainwright began throwing again as July got underway.

“It’s Adam Wainwright–I think we know that we can expect anything and everything,” said Shildt. “While it is maybe mildly surprising, it’s not shocking by any stretch. This is a very dedicated, exceptionally gifted athlete and man. We’re excited for him and really pleased the way he’s been able to throw and excited to have him back.”

–Michael Wacha threw a bullpen session before today’s game and if recovery goes as planned he likely to head out for another rehab assignment.

–Kolten Wong was on the field taking ground balls at second base before the game. He shared his hamstring feels great and the expectation remains that he will be activated from the disabled list when eligible on September 5th.